What we have loved about every resort, and why!
Words by Ellie Crabb
For the last four winters, we have ventured beyond our home on Vancouver Island, and headed East on our “Strait and Narrow Mountain Tour.” Whilst driving our S&N Sprinter across the Ski Resorts of BC, we have got to meet a lot of you, see your reactions as your sample our newest flavour, launch epic giveaways, and of course… ski.
Now we’re here to share our experience at each of those resorts, and hopefully help you to decide which ski hill is right for your turns this winter!
Mt. washington
Photo by Mt. Washington
Did we say we needed to leave the island? Mount Washington is what we at Strait and Narrow consider our home turf, and we can’t get enough. If you love ocean views while you ski or board through snow ghosts, then this could be the resort for you.
Our team is a mixed ability group, and whilst the terrain offered something for everyone, the friendly progression, on runs that were not overcrowded, was what really caught our attention.
We think you should go to Mount Washington if:
- You want to take part in everything Vancouver Island has to offer- from cold water surfing, to skiing down mountains, all in one day.
- You love the West Coast snow without the crowds.
- You love to ski with a great view of the ocean.
Manning Park
Dare we say hidden gem? Manning Park is a special place. Between the on-resort cabins, eateries and general vibes, Manning Park was a nostalgic full resort experience that we couldn’t get enough of. It is definitely a more budget friendly option, and still doesn’t have the crowds you see at some of the other resorts. We loved ripping the groomers that were well maintained from top to bottom.
We think you should go to Manning Park if:
- You love après options such as tubing or an ice rink.
- You want a full nostalgic resort experience, from rustic cabins to dining.
- You’re visiting from near Vancouver or Hope and don’t want to travel too far.
SunPeaks
Photo by Landon Copplestone
We’ve been to Sun Peaks a few times now, and there’s a huge reason we keep going back. There’s really not much to dislike about such a great resort. There is a huge amount of terrain. The groomers are wide and taken care of, perfect for ripping some turns. SunPeaks has the longest park we’ve maybe ever seen at a resort, and as beginners in the park we were not limited on features we could do. There was a progressive option at every turn.
What makes Sun Peaks a great trip is that the fun doesn’t stop after skiing. Between our visits we’ve tried Ice Skating, Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling. Mountain Man Adventure Tours offers some amazing activities that our whole group were stoked for. The village itself has a very euro feel, with a great selection of shops, coffee shops and dining.
We think you should go to SunPeaks if:
- You are looking for a large amount of terrain.
- You enjoy ripping groomers and want to make progress on park features.
- You want a multi-activity trip.
Silverstar
Photo by Landon Copplestone
Silverstar quickly became a favourite among our team. We stayed at the Snowbird Lodge which was ski-in-ski-out and boasted a hot tub overlooking the slopes and a full kitchen. Once we got onto the slopes one thing particularly stirred excitement in us. We are all beginners to park features, but love hitting the baby jumps, so imagine our excitement to discover, the park was NOT under a chairlift! To anyone that has spent time working up the courage to hit a small kicker, knowing deep down that you will either case, or land on your backside in front of the onlookers from the chairlift, (who in your imagination jeer and boo at you as you do this, naturally.) you will understand how we felt to find the park tucked away in a remote corner of the resort.
The ski hill itself had something for everyone, and we all enjoyed what at times felt like a maze of terrain. Afterwords, the village was a joy to explore. The buildings look like they belong on the front of a Christmas card, adding whimsy to your trip. The Silverstar motto is “Quietly Crushing It” and that’ exactly what we found. A humble, down to earth vibe, with great skiing.
We think you should go to Silverstar if:
- You have a mixed ability group, or a group that is looking for different types of terrain on offer.
- You like a relaxed atmosphere that isn’t showy or pretentious.
- You would like a ski-in-ski-out experience at a more affordable price.
REVELSTOKE
Photo by Alex Mackenzie
Revelstoke is what happens if coastal skiing and skiing the rockies had a baby. Considered a temperate rainforest, the snow has the West Coast feeling, but distinctly lighter. Revelstoke is great for the hardcore skier due to the vast amount of freeride terrain.
The mountain is creative, and we mean this in two senses of the word. Firstly, the skiing. Revelstoke offers glades, side hits, drops and encourages you to find your own line and forge your own path down the mountain. Secondly, the art. Revelstoke has adorned their mountain with local artists, creating literal exhibits as you ski. Some art is tucked away in remote corners, making it a fun experience as you happen across it, and some is out loud and proud for you to enjoy. The art makes Revelstoke feel truly unique, and gives a real sense of local pride.
We think you should go to Revelstoke if:
- You enjoy a large amount of freeride terrain.
- You love art, appreciation for locals and a community vibe.
- You enjoy long runs.
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
The community in Rossland are very proud of their local hill, RED Mountain Resort, and it’s not hard to see why. The thing that stood out to us, was that there was so much terrain. RED Mountain has a huge area to ski, laid back vibes and no crowds. You can find powder stashes almost a week after the last dump of snow. If this doesn’t entice you enough there is also plenty slack-country options, and a pay-per-lap cat ski operation.
We think you should visit RED Mountain if:
- You like steep, technical terrain.
- You want a casual, unpretentious vibe.
- You enjoy exploring a lot of terrain.
WHITEWATER
Last season, snow levels were low for every resort, and yet it felt like everyone who took a trip to Whitewater came back raving about the epic powder day they had. This is because this little resort, off the beaten path, actually gets the most snow in Canada, averaging 1200cm of snowfall. Whitewater isn’t just blessed with a lot of snow, it has great quality. Prepare your ski legs, because most likely you’re finding powder.
We think you should go to Whitewater if:
- You’re looking for as close to a guaranteed powder day as possible.
- You’re an Intermediate-Advanced Skier- although there is a beginner area!
- You love trees, bowls and steeps.
PANORAMA
Photo by Alex Holme
Panorama is a hill that gets better with each visit. It’s known for its excellent grooming, and long pisted trails. However, once you know where to go, there’s so much more than that. When you venture into the backside known as “Taynton Bowl” you will find a huge amount of double-black freeride terrain. You have an option to walk into this, or you can take a pay-per-lap cat which will take you up to even more terrain, all within the resorts boundaries. The park is well maintained and very progressive, offering a lot of different features, and if you visit on the right day, you might get night skiing!
What is great about Panorama is the progression. Here you will find well groomed black runs to practice steeper terrain without having to worry about variables. If you head to Sun Bowl Mid-week you will also find moguls and glades on blue runs, where you can practice your technique without too much fear. Panorama is also known for no crowds, so you can practice your turns in peace.
We think you should go to Panorama if:
- Your group wants a mix of terrain, from easy, wide groomers, to double black freeride zones.
- You want to try skiing under the stars.
- You want to actively work on your technique on different types of terrain without crowds.
We have had the best time exploring these BC Ski Resorts, and are stoked to share our experience with you! But even more so, we have been so appreciative of meeting you at our tastings and feeling the support from the community at each ski hill.
If you see our Van, Juniper, cruising round your local area, be sure to come and say hi!
Didn’t see your favourite ski hill mentioned? Comment where we should head to next!
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